Neurodiversity

Multiple studies have found that the trans population contains greater neurodiversity than the cisgender (cis) population, with estimates of 5% to 15% of trans people also being autistic. These studies have focused primarily on the higher prevalence of one type of neurodivergence—autism. This higher prevalence indicates that autistic experience contributes to greater gender diversity or, alternately stated, that allistic (nonautistic) experience contributes to reduced gender diversity in the population. Neurodivergent trans people experience barriers to care among autism service and gender care providers, owing to lack of understanding regarding this intersectional experience. These barriers may be lowered through increased education about the trans autistic experience and by including trans autistic people in the development of research, training, and clinical practice guidelines. This entry describes the ...